Question: In the comments, Narayana Goswami Maharaja, in the book Manah-Siksha, there is this expression: “Vishnu mana-seva” (serving Vishnu in the mind); serve the Guru and then sadhana. At what stage does this happen, or can a devotee simulate it? Perhaps qualification is needed to understand whom to serve and how.
Three types of a Sadhu’s mercy:
Brahmaji (Hardika): To accept instructions in the heart; austerities; tapasya. The creation of Brahmaji; Narayana conveyed to him that his duty is creation.
Narada Rishi: Inspiration through words.
Shukadeva Goswami: Through darshan (audience/seeing), everyone received mercy. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bestowed His mercy upon everyone. For this, surrender is necessary.
Sharanagati (surrender). The message of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Kripa (mercy), seva (service). Create the vessel [to receive it].
Uncaused mercy (unmotivated grace). An example is given: a lion is the king of animals, but he still hunts.
The path of sharanagati: “I am Yours, I am Yours. Without Your mercy, my life is useless.” Effort, sadhana, and bhajan are necessary. An example of how to cleanse the heart from within. The first shloka from Shikshashtaki. Hari-katha (topics of Hari/Krishna). Sadhu.
Question: (inaudible). Bhakti, “I am Yours”, seva-vritti (service tendency), sambandha-jnana (knowledge of the relationship).
Faith in the Guru’s instruction. The example of Vrajanatha and Vijay Kumar. The Guru tests in which mood of service you are. If after chanting the mantra you play with friends and herd cows, then you are in the mood of a sakhi (confidential friend).
Question: A disciple says, “I have not yet surrendered.” Gradually, step by step. Everything is simple. Bhakti is simple and difficult. “O Radhika, accept my prayer, grant me shelter at Your lotus feet.”
Inaudible question: You belong to the Lord. Avidya-vritti (tendency for ignorance) and Lakshana-vritti (tendency for transcendence). The jiva belongs to the Lord. The jiva serves the Lord. A fragment of the Complete. The duty of the jiva is to serve God. “Brahman” has many meanings. Shabda-brahman is the transcendental vibration. Self-realization is the best realization.
Example: A cow is tied to a 5-meter rope. She has free will—but it is limited. You have independence, but only a limited one.
Complete surrender. To what percentage have you surrendered? Bhakti means to accept everything that is favorable and to reject that which is unfavorable.
Uncaused mercy is very rare. The flow of mercy is always going.
